Molding apparatus



Oct. 23, 1928. D. J. CAMPBELL MOLDINGAPPAHATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Feb. 4, 1925 i 1. lnwmwv mm) lGompba Oct. 23, 1928. 1,688,784

D. J. CAMPBELL MOLDING APPARATUS Originalililed Feb. 4, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 I (Rama 5.

Oct. 23, 1928. 8 1,688,784

D. J. CAMPBELL MOLDING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 lnuenYov Donald 5 ()amp bl n Oct. 23, 1928. 1,688,784

D. J. CAMPBELL MOLDING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Get. 23, 1928.

D. J. CAMPBELL MOLDING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Feb. 4, 1925 Inuenfor W n m 1 m5 Q n 0 MW Patented Oct 23, 1928 o insane DONALD J. CAMPBELL, 0F MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN.

MOLDING APPARATUS.

Application flled lebruary 4, 1925, Serial No. 6,728. Renewed August 20, 1928.

This invention relates to molding apparatus with which green sand molds may be formed around patterns in flasks. In making molds of the character stated, it is necessary to pack or condense the sand to a certain degree and with the apparatus of my invention, such condensing and packing or tamping effect is accomplished by vibrating the flask, pattern and sand in the flask, also'the table which carpi es the same with the effect of condensing the sand in the lower portion of the flask. To.condense the sand in'the upper portion of the flask, a sand squeezing operation is performed, either after the vibrating operation or simultaneous therewith, 3

this latter operation being preferred in many instances in order that the sand shall not be loose and fiufly in the upper part of the flask, as may be the case where vibration only takes place. My invention includes means for vibrating the sand through an electrically operated agency, rapid and relatively light vibrating raps being given to the supporting table carrylng the flask, pattern an sand, and this electrically operated means is operable both while the squeezing operation is taking place and whennot taking place.

'My invention has for its primary objectv and purpose, the construction of a molding apparatus, and one which is very practical and effective, for performing the vibrating and squeezing operations stated, either at different times or simultaneously, the vibration being effected through electrically' operated means. A further object of the invention is to construct an apparatus of the character outlined, wherein the vibration may be started at will and stopped after a predetermined number of vibrations have taken place through an automatic control therefor. Many other objects. and purposes than those'stated, all directed to the production of a relatively simple, durable and pracsection.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section therethrough at a plane below the flask holding table.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary-horizontal section through the compressedair control used for cooling the electrical elements and for the squeezlng operation.

Fig/l is a fragmentary enlarged vertical section taken substantially on the plane of the broken line 14, of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken centrally of the machine on a plane substantiallyg' at rightangles to'the plane of the section shown,

in Fig. 4, the apparatus being-.in lower position.

5, with the apparatus in upper squeezing position.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the electric circuits controlling the electric vibrating means, the automatic circuit breaking mechanism for stopping the vibration after a predetermined number of vibrations being shown in side elevation, and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the rotary commutator used for controlling the circuits to the two solenoids which operate the vibrating element of the apparatus.

Like reference characters refer to like parts in the different figures of the drawings.

In the construction of the molding appa- Fig. 6 is a view similar to that shown in Fig.-

ratus, a lower casting is provided havin a inder is arched into substantially semi-spherical form, asindicated at 3 and reinforced and strengthened by such form as well as by strengthening ribs located below the part 3. At a number of points around the cylinder 2, four of such places being shown, lugs 4 extend outwardly on each of whicha pin or rod 5 is fixed and extends upwardly therefrom.

A strong coiled spring 6 is located aroundeach pin 5 resting at its lower end on its l-ug 4 and extending at its upper end above the rod'5. Two other lugs 7 are also cast with the cylinder 2 and extend outwardly therefrom at diametrically .opposed points,

ioo

each having an opening therethrough suitably bushe'd, the purpose of which will later appear. Two smaller vertical cylinders 8 are also cast with the base 1, being located at opposite sides of thecylinder 2 and in alinement with the lugs 7. Vertical ribs 9 are disposed between the cylinders 2 and 8,,the same extending nearly to the upper endsof said wells of the cylinder.

cylinders for purposes of reinforcing the structure. I

'A piston or plunger ram 10- is mounted vertically within the large cylinder 2, at its upper end extending a short distance above the upper end of the cylinder and adjacent spond with the bottom 3 of the base-directly below. 'Ashort distance above the bottom 11 an integral horizontal partition plate 12 is located, the central portion of which is supported on an inte ral upper extension to the bottom 11, there ieing enclosed between the bottom 11, partition 12 and said central support, an annular recess or chamber 13. A relatively heav block 14 of metal is carried at the upper si e of the partition 12, being of substantially cylindrical form and projecting above the partition, as shown.

A plurality of vertical openings 15 are matle through the partition 12 near the walls of the piston or ram 10. Near the upper end of the piston an annular integral and inwardly extending rib-or ledge 16 is made between which and the partition 12 a plurality of vertical and radially positioned ribs or vanes 17 are located being cast with the pis-.

ton. A number of spaced openings 18 are made through each part 17 In the upper end of the piston 10 and rest-- ing on the ledge 16 is a plate 19 formed at its central ortion with a downwardly extending cylindrical boss, 19 located directly above t e block 14. Both the boss 19* and the block 14 may be hardened in order to withstand the striking of the vibratory body designed to move back and forth between them. A cylindrical sleeve 20 is disposed between block 14' and the boss 19, its ends receiving said block and boss as shown. A body 21 of cylindrical formis' located within the sleeve and its smaller projecting ends may also be hardened. Upper and lower solenoid windings 22 and 23 are located around the upper and lower ends of the central sleeve 20, being separated at their adjacent ends by a ring 24 of suitable insulating material. dent that with alternate energizing ofthe solenoids, the vibrating bod will be elevated and dropped, striking the oss 19 and the block 14 alternately.

.At the -u per end of the piston 10 and above the 'p ate 19., a circular plate 25 is located completely closing the open upper end of the piston. A vertical support 26 integral with the plate 25 at its upper end carries a table 27 on which the pattern is to be carried.

per portions.

It is evi- At points directly over the lugs 7, downwardl extending bosses 28 are formed on the ta 1e 27, the same being recessed at their upper'sides, as indicated at 29. Rods 30 formed at their lower ends with heads 31 pass upwardly through the bushings in the openings in lugs 7 and through the bosses 28, being secured in place by nuts received in the recesses 29. In addition, other bosses 32 are cast with the table 27 and extend downwardlly therefrom, one for each spring 6, being a apted to engage against the upper ends of said springs when the piston and table are in lower position, as shown in Fig. 4.

A pattern board 33 is adapted to bear against the upper side of the table 27 on which the pattern 34 may be carried. A stripping plate 35" formed with downwardly extending flanges 36 at its sides is located over the table 35, resting thereon normally, the

stripper plate having an opening in which the pattern board is received and having its upper side flush therewith. The flask 37 placed around the pattern is carried on the stripper plate and detachably held thereon, suitable pins 38 on the strlpper plate, as shown in Fig. 4, passing through openings in the out-turned flanges of the flask. The

stripper plate is formed with two downwardserving as exhaust passages for air circu-' la'ted within the piston 10 around the solenoids, as will hereafter appear.

At the outer side of each cylinder 8 a vertical support 42 is secured, extending above the upper end of its adjacent cylinder 8 and divided at such upper end to make spaced apart ears 43. A rod 44 is pivotally connected at 45 at its lower end to and between.

each of the airs of ears 43. These rods extend upwar ly and are threaded at their up- A beam 46 is located between the two rods (see Fig. 1), said rodspassing through the ends of the beam, and nuts 47 on the rods, one above and the other below the beam are used to adjustably secure the beam on said rods. A squeezing head adapted to fit into the upper end of the flask 37 is carried by and under the beam directly over saidflask, this head being indicated at 48.

The squeezing head thus mounted and supported is adapted to be moved into position so as to stand directly over the flask and may also be moved out of the way to one side so I that sand may be placed in the flask in filling the same. Adjustable stops 49 are'carried at each side of the supports 42 against which outwardly extending projections at the lower ends of the rods 44 may engage to limit the extent of movement of the squeezing head.

The piston or ram 10 is designed to be elevated in the cylinder 2 by compressed air introduced into the lower end of the cylinder under the piston. At the front side of the apparatus, a post 50 (see Fig. 1) is located, at the upper end of which a valve casing 51 is carried formed with a longitudinal passage 52 therethrough and at each end of which a valve 53 is rotatably mounted. Gompressed air is carried to said passage through a pipe 54 (see Fig. 3). A pipe 55 leads from a side of the casing 51 at one end thereof adjacent where one of the valves 53 is mounted, and at its opposite end is connected with the lower end of the cylinder. 2 (see Figs. 5 and 6). When the valve is turned to one position air may be carriedthrough the conduit 55 to the cylinder under the piston 10 which is elevated, as is obvious. The extent of eleVat-ion is limited by the heads 31 of rods 30 engaging against the under sides of the lugs 7. A flexible hose conduit 56 leads from the end of the casing 51 to the upper portion of the piston 10 and thence has a branch pipe 57 which extends downward, through the horizontal partition 12 into the chamber 13. By turnin the valve 53 to another position, air can Tie directed through this conduit, to the chamber 13 from which it escapes through. the openings15 and 18 to the outlets 41, serving to cool the solenoids when needed. In the position of the valve, shown in Fig. 3, the air is cut off from escape from the casing 51 to either conduit. The valves 53 are manually operated by means of handles 53 located above the casing 51 and connected with the valves.

The valve at the right hand end of the easing 51, shown in Fig. 2 as operable by means of a handle 53 may be operated to direct compressed air through the pipe 58 to operate the squeezing head to operative position, as shown in mypending application, Ser. No. 3,313, filed J an. 19, 1925, or to control the passage of air to the cylinders 8 under the pistons 40 when this is desired in drawing the pattern from the mold.

A wire 59 connects with one end of the upper solenoid winding 22 and a wire 60 .with one end of the winding for the lower solenoid 23. The other ends of the two windings are connected by a wire 61 withwhich a wire 62- of an electric circuit is connected, the same being the feed wire carrying the current to the solenoids; A third solenoid 63 is housed in a suitable casing 64, one end of the winding being connected by wire 65 with the Wire 60, and-the other by wire 65 with the wire '62. The two wires 59 and 60 lead to two spaced apart brushes 66 and 67, which with two other spaced apart brushes 66 and 67 are located so as to have their free ends contact with a drum 68 mounted .;for rotation on the shaft of an electric motor. This drum carrfes two metal bands 69 and 70 spaced from each other substantially the same distance apart as are the brushes 66 and 67 and 66 and 67. Each of these bands extends one half the wayaround the drum'and one begins where the other ends, as shown. In this manner two brushes 66 and 66 or the two brushes 67 and 67 are in electrical connection, but only two of them at a time. And such electrical connection takes place alternately with the rotation of the drum, such alternate connection occurring with great rapidity, dependentuponthe rotation of the drum 68.

A ground wire 71 is connected with the brush 67 and has a branch wire 72 connected with the brush 66*. A manually operable switch is interposed in the length of the wire 62 operation of which will close a circuit for the energizing of the solenoids 22 and23 alternately, resulting in the alternate elevation and dropping of the vibrating body 21. The circuit is through wire 62, solenoid winding 22, wire 59,'brush 66, band 70, contact brush 67 and wires 72 and 71 when the brushes 66 and 66 are in contact engagement with the band 70; and it is through wire 62, solenoid winding 23, wire 60, brush 67, hand 69, brush 67 and wire 71 when the band 69 is in position to connect the brushes 67 and 67. Accordingly, there is alternate energizing of the two solenoids with a consequent attraction of the vibrating body acting as the core of the solenoids and moved by them; I

The solenoid 63 is energized whenever the lower solenoid 23 is, a part of the current being shunted from the wire 62 through Wire 65, through the winding 63 and thence through wire 65 to the Wire 60. As aresult, the core 76 attracted by said solenoid 63 is elevated with each elevation the vibratory body 21. This is for the purpose of operating an automatic control for the vibratory body to stop vibration of the same after a predetermined number of complete vibrations. If the switch 73 was closer and'held closed, being released when the vibration had continued long enough, such automatic control would not be needed.

However, the control of the switch 73 in such case would be dependent upon the operator and it is more satisfactory to have such control automatic. The construction for ef- I fecting this will now be described.

A supporting bracket 74 (see Fig. 7) is provided, at one end being formed with an upwardly extending post 7 5 located directly under the rod 76 which extends into the and dropping of winding of the solenoid 63, providing the attracted core therefor. An arm 77 is pivotally mounted at one end on a stud 78 carried by the bracket and adjacent its end is connected to the rod 76 near its lower end. A spring 79 disposedbetween the free end of the arm 77 and the bracket 74 normally tends to hold the rod 76 in lower position. A

ratchet wheel 80 is rotatably mounted on the Y stud 78 engaging with which is one pawl 81 earned on the rod 7 6, and'a second pawl 82 pivotally mounted on the bracket 74 at the opposite side of the ratchet wheel. It is evident that with each reciprocation of the rod 76, wheel 80 is moved one step, the pawl 81 passing from one tooth to the next.

A pin 83 projects outwardly from the ratchet wheel 80 near one edge thereof and is other post 86 with said wire, the manually operated switch 73 being interposed in wire 62 in the length thereof between the points of connection of wires 87 and 88 thereto. It is evident that as soon as the pin 83 is moved beyond the end of the lever 84, contacts 85 and 86 press together and the circuit normally broken by the switch 73 is closed. As a result, the operator in starting the apparatus in operation by pressing the switch73 inward, has to hold said switch closed but a very short time or until the reciprocation of the rod 76 has, through the pawl 81, moved the ratchet wheel far enough that pin 83 has moved out of the range of the lever 84, whereupon the circuit is closed by engagement of contacts 85 and 86 and the operatprmay release switch The. reciprocation of the rod 76 continues with a corresponding vibration of the body 21 until the pin 83 has moved in a circle to again engage the end of the lever 84, this moving the contacts 85 and 86 apart, breaking the circuit, and stopping the vibration auto- Fig. 7.

matically until again started by closing the switch at 73. The number of vibrations is dependent upon the number'ofratchet teeth in the wheel 80'and this can be varied different sizes of wheels being adapted to be used as it is evident that the pin 83 may be positioned differently on diflerent wheels and the pawls 81 and 82 changed if necessary to correspond with a different wheel.

It will be noted that wires 59", and 62 lead from the wires 59, 60 and 62, respectively,

' as shown in the diagram of wiring shown 1n This is to illustrate the possibihty' same. the feed wire, and wires59 and 60 serve the The outer end of the .levercarries of operating more than one, in fact as many machines as may be desired with the use of but one commutator and motor for driving the For a second machine, the wire 62 is same functions and are connected with the second machine 1n the same manner as wires V 59 and 60 are connected in the apparatus shown. This system of wiring may be indefinitely repeated for as many machines as may be in use.

The mechanism comprising the solenoid 63 and the automatic stop mechanism may be housed in any suitable housing, such as 89 and mounted at a side of the cylinder 2, the switch 73 extending outwardly through an opening in the housing so as to be accessible for operation. Of course, this housing with.

its contained mechanism need not be mounted at any particular place as it will operate wherever placed if properly connected, but the place shownis one very convenient. The

wiring is indicated at C, as a cable and he wires 59, 60 and 62 are carried tothe solenoid located within the piston or ram 10 throu h a suitable insulating block 90, 1 The cable as shown in Figs. 1 and 5 is long enough that the piston may havev its full travel, and it is evident that the vibration of the body21 may 5;

take place whatever the position'of the part 10, either when in lower or u per position, or;

during the time it is moving etween such extreme positions. v

With the flask filled with sand overthe pattern, and with the piston 10 and thetable and flask carried thereby in lower osition, as shownin Figs. 1, 4 .and 5', the vi rat,- ing and squeezing of the-sand maybe done,

either separately or simultaneously. F'or'instance, in order that the sand in the upfper part of the flask shall not be loose and rec to jump upwardly under the vibration caused v by the striking of the body 21 against the parts 14 and 19", it is advisable in some classes of work to elevate the flask to the position shown in Fig. 6 and bring the squeezin head 48 against the upper'part of the sand efore the vibration is started. In'such case valve 53 is operated to pass compressed air into the lower end of the cylinder 2, elevating the flask,- to upper position after which the switch .7 3

'may be momentarily closed and the cycle of vibrations gone through. The body 21 vibrating back and forth between the parts 14 and19, strikes both parts with consider able force, thereby vibrating the table and flask and condensing the sand under the squeezing head. Anothermanner in which i the apparatus may be used is to start the vibration when the mechanism is in lower position, and elevate it during the time of vibration and this may be done so that the elevation is completed before the vibration stops, or the vibration may be stopped before the elevation is complete; on, as is. evident,

the vibration may be carried through before the elevation is begun. The apparatus may be operated in any of the ways stated as seems best in the particular circumstances.

l/Vhile an upper and lower solenoid 22 and 23 are shown, it is evident that my invention is workable with an elimination of the lower passing through the conduits 55 and 56 when l the valve-53 is in the position shown in. Fig. 3,'the solenoids being thus cooled after each vibration cycle. The lowering of the table and pattern following from such exhaust of air from the cylinder 2, with the stripping plate and flaskand mold held in upper position, draws the pattern from the mold. If

thereturn of the piston or ram 10 and attached table is too rapid, no detrimental effects occur, the springs 6 softening and ab-' sorbingthe shock. These springs may also have a further function when the vibrating takes place with the parts in lower position, yielding slightly on the downward movement of the vibrating body and softenin any possible destructive striking of the b0 y against the lower member 14. These parts l4and 19, preferably of hardened material may be hardened to a greater or less extent, as may be needed, so as to soften the vibrations in either direction if, for different reasons, this seems advisable.

The construction described is simple and effective for the production of molds from green sand. Many changes in specific structural detail may be resorted to without departing from the invention defined in the appended claims, and the invention is to be considered as comprehensive of all such modifications or changes that come within the scope of said claims.

I claim:

1. In molding apparatus, a vertical sup port, a table at the upper end of the support on which a pattern and a flask around the pattern may be carried, an annular solenoid winding fixed to said support and a vibrating body surrounded by said winding and adapted to be raised when the winding is energized and dropped when the winding is de-energized, the said body striking the said support at each extreme of its movement.

2.'In molding apparatus, a vertical support, a table located at the upper end of the support, a vibrating body mounted within the support and adapted to reciprocate thereii:i

upper and lower solenoid windings locate within the support around said body, and means to alternately energize said windings whereby the body is alternately elevated and dropped, substantially as and for the purposes described.

3. In molding apparatus of the class described, a vertical hollow support, a plate closing the upper .end of the support, means extending across the lower portion of the support including a block, said plate having a depending boss in alignment with said block, upper and lower solenoid windings located one over the other between said block and boss, a vibrating body located within the solenoids between the block and boss, and means to alternately energize the solenoids, substantially as and for the purposes described.

4. In molding apparatus of the class described, a vertical support, a sleeve mounted vertically within said support, a hardened block extending into the lower end of the sleeve, a plate having a depending hardened boss at the upper end of the sleeve, said boss extending into said end of the sleeve, a table carried at the upper endof the support and restingv on said plate, a solenoid winding around the upper end of the sleeve, a vibrating body loosely mounted within said sleeve between said block and boss, and means to periodically energize said solenoid winding, substantially as and for the purposes described.

5. A construction containing the elements in combination defined in claim 4 combined with means for circulating air within said support around said solenoid winding, substantially as described.

6. In molding apparatus of the class 'described, a vertical support, a sleeve positioned vertically within the support, hardened members at the upper and lower ends of said sleeves, a table carried at the upper end of the support and contacting with the upper hardened member, a vibrating body loosely mounted in the sleeve between said members,

and electric means for moving said vibrating body back and forth in the sleeve whereby the same strikes against said members at the ends I of its movements in the sleeve thereby vibrating the table, substantially as described.

. In combination, a table adapted to carry a pattern and .a flask around the pattern, a.

sleeve located vertically under the table, a vibrating body mounted in the sleeve and adapted to move back and forth in the ame. and electric means around the sleeve at each end thereof for alternately attracting said body to thereby reciprocate the same, substantially as described.

8. In combination, a base, a relatively large cylinder extending upwardly from thebase, a piston or ram mounted in the cylinder for table 1s vibrated by the impact of the verticalmovements, a tablecarried at the upper end of the piston, a'vertical sleeve located within the piston, the upper end of said sleeve being adjacent the lower side of the table, a body mounted in the sleeve for reciprocating movements, electric means or periodically lift' and releasing said body whereby tihe o a and means for elevating said piston or raiii and the table carried thereby to an .upper position independentlyo'f or simultaneous with the movementsof said vibrating body. 9. In molding apparatus ofthe character described, a base, a cylinder extending upwardl from the base, apiston mounted in the cy 'nder, a table carried at the upper end, of the piston on which a pattern and a flask around the pattern may be carried, a squeezing head located above the flask, a vibrating body mounted in the piston for vertical reciprocatory movements whereby its impact against the ends of the piston at the ends of its movements vibrates the table and conv denses the sand in the lower. part of the/flask,

electric means for reciprocating said vibrating body, and means for carrying compressed air into the lower end of the cylinder to thereby. elevatesaid piston and flask to the der, an

squee zmg head to thereby squeeze and com press the sand in the u per part of said flask,

substantially as descri 10. A construction containing the elements in combination defined in claim 9 combined with means for controlling the passage of compressed air to' said 0 linder and for exhaustin said compress air from the cylina conduit leading to said piston through which the exhaust air passes to ciri a d f h upperien 'o t esupport a sleeve positioned vertically below the table, a body mounted culate' the exhaust air around the electric means operating said vibratin body, to

' therapy cool the same, substantlally as descri 11. In molding apparatusof the class deport, a "table on which a patmay be carried located at the to traverse the'sleeve, u per and wer solenoid windings around-t e sleeve, means for alternately energizin said windings, and

means fortautom'atica ly stopping the energizing of said windings after a predetermined number of reciprocation's of the body caused by the alternate energizing of said windings, substantially as described.

12. In amolding apparatus, a vertical support, a table located at the upper end of the support, a vertical sleeve carried the supb port directly under the table, a body mounted in the sleeve adapted to reciprocatethere 1n, upper and lbwer solenoid windin around the sleeve, means including electric automaticallymove the same to inoperative position on completion of a predetermined cycle of enerizings of saidsolenoid substantially as described. y 13. In a molding apparatus, avertical support, a table located at the upper end of'the windings,

support, a vertical sleeve carried by the support directly under the table, a body mounted in the sleeve adapted-to reciprocate therein, upper and lower solenoid windings around the sleeve adapted when-energized to attract said bod and cause its reci rocation in the sleeve, e ectric circuits inc uding' a single feed wire connected with each of the solenoid windings and two return wires leading respectively from said windin a commutator adapted -to alternately m ke the circuit throu h said return wires, said commutator inclu ing a rotatable drum and two spaced apart half-bands on the drum, brushes con,-

nected to each of the return wires adapted to bear againstthe drum and against said -bands, one brush bearing against a band at a time, two additional brushes bearing against the drum and connected with the" mind wire of the circuits, anda'switch in a break in said feed wire for inanually closing. said circuit, substantially de-- scribe 14. A constructioncontaining theelements in combination defined-in claim 13 combined witha support, a contact mounted'on said support, a spring actuatedflever pivotally mounted on the suppo a contact therein adapted to an age with t efirst named feon 4 tact when the ever is free to move, a ratchet ing from the ratchet wheel adapted in one position to engage with the lever and 'sep-' arate said contacts, wires connecting the con tacts with the feed wire at ints one each side of the manually o erale switch, and 1 means for rotating sai ratchet wheel one step with each complete reciprocatory movement of the body mounted in the sleeve, substantially as described.-

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

DONALD J. CAMPBELL. I 1

wheel mounted on the support, a pin extend- 

